JANE FONDA WARNS OCEANS ARE ‘DYING’ AMID TREATY TALKS

Jane Fonda, the iconic actor, and activist has issued a warning that the world is losing the ocean. As the United Nations begin two weeks of negotiations for a treaty aimed at protecting and preserving vast ocean areas, Fonda has spoken out to raise awareness about the issues that plague the world's oceans. In an interview with AFP, Fonda emphasized that the ocean provides humanity with 50% of its oxygen and feeds billions of people, and it's dying. The issue is so pressing that she has delivered a petition with over 5.5 million signatures to Rena Lee, chair of the high-stakes talks, calling for a "strong" treaty.

Why are the Oceans dying?

The oceans are in dire need of protection, and the situation is worsening with each passing day. Various factors have contributed to the degradation of the oceans. Among them are plastic pollution, overfishing, warming, acidification, and oil spills. These problems are serious and need immediate action to prevent further damage.

Plastic Pollution

Plastic pollution is one of the biggest threats facing the world's oceans today. Every year, approximately 8 million tons of plastic are dumped into the ocean, killing marine life and damaging the ecosystem. Plastic is non-biodegradable and can take hundreds of years to break down, making it a persistent problem.

Overfishing

Overfishing is another significant threat to the ocean's ecosystem. Overfishing occurs when fish are caught faster than they can reproduce, leading to a decline in fish populations. This not only affects the fish but also the other species that depend on them for food.

Warming and Acidification

Climate change is causing the oceans to warm and become more acidic. This warming and acidification are harmful to marine life and coral reefs. Acidification makes it difficult for shellfish and other marine animals to build their shells, while warming causes coral reefs to die.

Oil Spills

Oil spills are another significant threat to the oceans. Accidents during oil exploration and transport can release millions of gallons of oil into the ocean, which can damage the ecosystem and harm marine life.

Why is a treaty necessary?

The treaty that is being negotiated at the United Nations is crucial for the protection and preservation of vast ocean areas. For 15 years, the world has been waiting for such a treaty, and now it seems that it is finally within reach. The treaty aims to establish a set of rules for the protection and sustainable use of the high seas. The high seas are areas of the ocean that are beyond national jurisdiction and cover two-thirds of the world's oceans.

A treaty would help prevent the problems facing the ocean from worsening. It would establish a framework for the sustainable use of ocean resources, protect marine life, and prevent the destruction of marine ecosystems. A treaty would also provide a framework for the management of marine genetic resources, which are crucial for the development of new medicines and other products.

Conclusion

Jane Fonda's warning that humanity is losing the ocean is a wakeup call for the world to take action. The oceans are in dire need of protection, and a treaty is necessary to prevent further damage. The problems facing the ocean are serious and need immediate attention. Plastic pollution, overfishing, warming, acidification, and oil spills are all threats that need to be addressed. A treaty would help establish a framework for the sustainable use of ocean resources and the protection of marine life. It is time for the world to act and protect the ocean before it's too late. As Jane Fonda said, "Let's get this done."